Have you ever heard someone say, “That’s a piece of cake” and wondered why they’re talking about cake when there’s no cake around? Welcome to the yummy world of food idioms in English!
In this blog post, we’re going to explore 20 interesting phrases that use food to describe different situations, feelings, or actions.
Idioms can be funny and confusing, but they make language colorful and exciting. So, grab a snack and get ready to learn about some tasty expressions that will spice up your English!
FOOD Idioms and Their Meaning
1:- Piece of cake
Meaning: Very easy task.
Example: Math homework is a piece of cake for Lisa.
2:- Spill the beans
Meaning: Reveal a secret.
Example: Don’t spill the beans about the surprise party!
3:- In a nutshell
Meaning: In a few words; briefly.
Example: So, in a nutshell, we’re moving to London.
4:- Bite off more than you can chew
Meaning: Take on too much.
Example: I bit off more than I could chew with this project.
5:- Cry over spilled milk
Meaning: Complain about past mistakes.
Example: He failed the test, but there’s no use crying over spilled milk.
6:- Piece of pie
Meaning: Very easy task (similar to a piece of cake).
Example: Fixing bikes is a piece of pie for Jamie.
7:- Bring home the bacon
Meaning: Earn a living for the family.
Example: My mom works hard to bring home the bacon.
8:- Bread and butter
Meaning: Main source of income.
Example: Teaching is my bread and butter.
9:- Cherry on top
Meaning: Something extra special.
Example: Winning the game was great, the trophy was the cherry on top.
10:- Bite the bullet
Meaning: Endure a painful experience.
Example: I hate going to the dentist, but I just have to bite the bullet.
11:- Egg on your face
Meaning: To be embarrassed.
Example: He had an egg on his face after telling the wrong joke.
12:- Full plate
Meaning: Very busy.
Example: I can’t take on another task; I have a full plate.
13:- Hot potato
Meaning: A controversial issue.
Example: The city’s budget cuts are a hot potato right now.
14:- In hot water
Meaning: In trouble.
Example: He’s in hot water for breaking the window.
15:- Nutty as a fruitcake
Meaning: Very crazy.
Example: He’s as nutty as a fruitcake with those wild ideas.
16:- Out to lunch
Meaning: Not paying attention; crazy.
Example: You must be out to lunch if you think that’s a good idea.
17:- Piece of the pie
Meaning: A share of something.
Example: Everyone wants a piece of the pie from the new project.
18:- Sour grapes
Meaning: Pretend to dislike something you can’t have.
Example: He says he didn’t want the promotion anyway, but that’s just sour grapes.
19:- Take with a grain of salt
Meaning: Don’t take it too seriously.
Example: Take his advice with a grain of salt; he’s not an expert.
20:- Use your noodle
Meaning: Use your brain; think.
Example: Come on, use your noodle and solve the problem!